Winterbourne Councillor's debut novel is published (From Gazette Series)

Winterbourne Councillor's debut novel is published

8:50am Sunday 7th February 2010 in

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A COUNCILLOR from Winterbourne has put politics aside to concentrate on penning his first book.

But John Godwin has not strayed too far from political wranglings as his debut novel centres around a by-election in 18th century Bristol.

The book, entitled Children of the Wave in a nod to a famous poem by Thomas Chatterton, has been three years in the making.

Mr Godwin, cabinet member for external affairs and partnership development on South Gloucestershire Council, said: "I had the outline idea for the main theme of the book for several years but I started seriously working on it two or three years ago.

"Having cabinet responsibilities as well has made it quite difficult but I thought if I don’t do it now I never will.

"I have loved doing it and seeing a print of my book is a great thrill."

The story centres around young attorney Richard Stourton who sets out to investigate after a Bristol politician, who is sympathetic to the anti-slavery movement, is found murdered. His quest takes him all over the world but on his return to Bristol he is caught up in a by-election where one of the candidates is a leading slave ship owner, and a murder trial. The historical novel is based on fictitious characters but Mr Godwin carried out extensive research into the period and what politics was like at the time.

"I did a lot of research at Bristol Records Office and on the internet," he said. "I had to research both the slave trade and how politics operated.

"Although none of the characters are real I did get the idea from the election of Edmund Burke in 1774."

Mr Godwin, also a Winterbourne parish councillor, said his research had taught him that politics is the same today as it has ever been.

"Although the book deals with the politics around the slave trade the nature of politics does not change," he said. "In those days voting took place over two to three weeks but politicians are always looking for new ways to appeal to the public."

Children of the Wave, by John Godwin, published by Woodfield Publishing Ltd, is available now priced £9.50. Visit www.woodfieldpublishing.com